BITS Pilani researchers develop edible, eco-friendly paste for bioelectronics
Hyderabad: In a breakthrough that could reshape the future of bioelectronic technology, researchers at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad, have developed a food-based nano conductive paste (FN-CoP) designed for wearable, ingestible, and edible medical devices.
Published in the latest issue of 'Industrial Crops and Products (ScienceDirect)', the study introduces a non-toxic, biodegradable alternative to conventional electronic pastes—marking a significant step toward sustainable electronics.
The innovation is led by Professor Sanket Goel and his team, who have formulated and validated FN-CoP as a viable substitute for synthetic, often hazardous, conductive materials.
The material is aimed at advancing biomedical diagnostics, therapeutic monitoring, and energy harvesting, especially in sensitive environments like the human body.
The FN-CoP formulation consists of 20.4% activated carbon (AC), 8.1% gelatine-based binder, and 71.4% oral rehydration solution (ORS) as the pasting liquid.
This composition achieves high conductivity, supported by a fine average particle size of 56 nanometers, confirmed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
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The small particle size and material stability make it ideal for precision printing techniques like screen and inkjet printing.
ORS, apart from serving as a safe solvent, enhances the electrochemical stability, conductivity, and biocompatibility of the paste. Comparative analyses showed that ORS outperforms many commercial solvents, giving FN-CoP consistent functionality across biomedical applications.
Diagnostic applications
The researchers demonstrated FN-CoP's effectiveness in several diagnostic and therapeutic settings. The material supports key electrochemical processes essential for breath analysis, blood detoxification and detection of glycopeptide and phosphopeptide biomarkers.
The paste is food-grade and vegetarian-friendly, with characteristics like controlled viscosity and surface morphology that ensure uniform coating and sensor stability.
Its biocompatibility makes it particularly suited for ingestible medical devices.
Environmental impact
One of FN-CoP's standout advantages is its economic viability. The estimated cost of production is only ₹129 per 100 grams, making it scalable for industrial applications. By replacing toxic components with readily available, food-safe materials, the research paves the way for environmentally friendly alternatives in the electronic paste industry.
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